Ulcer Symptoms? Report Them to Your Doctor for Timely Treatment

Most people have an occasional stomachache or a burning sensation in their chest from time to time, but how do you know when peptic ulcer symptoms may be at play? A peptic ulcer is a sore that forms on the inner lining of the upper gastrointestinal (GI) tract, from the esophagus to the upper section of the small intestine.

Ulcer symptoms may include:

  • Pain and/or a burning sensation in your abdominal area between your breastbone (the bone in the center of your chest) and your navel (belly button).
  • Pain that begins or worsens after eating.
  • Pain that begins or worsens when your stomach is empty, especially at night.
  • Pain that comes and goes; it may last an hour, several hours, or a few days, and it may go away, only to recur in a few days or even weeks.
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If an ulcer is severe, it may bleed. Symptoms of a bleeding ulcer include vomit that contains blood or looks like coffee grounds, and stools (bowel movements) that contain blood or that look black or tarry.

FYI

WHAT CAUSES ULCERS?

It was once believed that eating spicy foods caused ulcer symptoms, but research has found that the majority of peptic ulcers are caused by a type of bacteria called Helico-bacter pylori (H. pylori, for short) or by a medication.

It is estimated that more than half of the world’s population has H. pylori. For some people, H. pylori causes no problems, but for others, it produces infection and ulcers. (See our post on natural treatments for H. pylori-related issues.)

Medications that may cause ulcers include:

  • OTC and prescription pain medications, including aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB), naproxen (Aleve, Anaprox), and
  • ketoprofen (Orudis, Oruvail), especially if they are taken regularly or frequently
  • Bisphosphonate medications used to treat osteoporosis (Actonel, Fosamax, Boniva, Recast)
  • Potassium supplements

Taking a medication intended to treat indigestion or heartburn may provide temporary relief of ulcer symptoms. These medications include:

  • Over-the-counter (OTC) antacids such as Rolaids, Tums, Maalox, Mylanta, and Pepto-Bismol.
  • OTC or prescription drugs that block acid, including Zantac, Tagamet, and Pepcid.
  • OTC or prescription drugs that decrease acid production, including Prilosec, Prevacid, Nexium, and Zegerid.

Ulcer symptoms are similar to signs of other problems that may occur in the gastrointestinal system. If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s important to see your doctor so he or she can evaluate the cause. (See also our post “What Is GERD? Dealing with Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease.”)

Types of Ulcers

  • An esophageal ulcer is located in the esophagus, the passageway that transports food into the stomach.
  • A gastric ulcer is located in the stomach.
  • A duodenal ulcer is located in the duodenum, the first part of the small intestine.

Avoid Complications!

If you have a peptic ulcer, seek treatment to prevent complications, which can include internal bleeding, an infection in your abdominal cavity (caused by a perforated ulcer that has eaten though the wall of the GI tract), and formation of scar tissue that can prevent food from moving through your digestive tract.

Once your ulcer has been successfully treated, your ulcer symptoms will improve.

For further reading, see these University Health News posts:

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